Lasagna is a classic comfort food, and making it at home can be a rewarding experience. Whether you are hosting a dinner or cooking for family, this easy lasagna recipe will guide you step-by-step to create a delicious meal without too much hassle. Let’s break down how to make this flavorful dish with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions.
Preparation and Cooking Details:
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 8
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (24 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Layer:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Lasagna:
- 9 lasagna noodles (cooked and drained)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Directions for the Easy Lasagna Recipe:
Step 1: Preparing the Meat Sauce
- Brown the Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Once the meat is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, and chopped parsley. Set this mixture aside until you’re ready to assemble the lasagna.
Step 3: Cooking the Lasagna Noodles
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to prevent sticking. Lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel.
Step 4: Assembling the Lasagna
- Preheat Oven: While assembling, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Layer the Lasagna:
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, slightly overlapping each other.
- Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Add a layer of the meat sauce on top of the ricotta mixture.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce until all ingredients are used up, ending with a final layer of noodles and sauce.
3. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Step 5: Bake the Lasagna
- Cover with Foil: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese. This prevents the cheese from sticking to the foil and burning.
- Bake: Place the lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and Bake More: After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with a slight golden-brown crust.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Let It Rest: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve.
- Garnish: If desired, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the top before serving.
Tips for Perfect Lasagna:
- Drain Excess Fat: If your ground beef is particularly fatty, make sure to drain the excess fat after browning the meat to avoid a greasy lasagna.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh parsley and basil enhance the flavor of the sauce and cheese mixture. If you have fresh herbs on hand, feel free to substitute them for dried herbs.
- Make It Ahead: Lasagna is an excellent make-ahead meal. You can assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just extend the baking time by 10-15 minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
- Freezing Leftovers: Lasagna freezes wonderfully! Slice it into individual portions, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the slices in the fridge overnight and reheat them in the oven or microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I Make Lasagna Without Meat?
Yes! You can easily adapt this easy lasagna recipe to a vegetarian version. Instead of using ground beef, try sautéing a combination of mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for a hearty veggie lasagna.
How Do I Prevent Lasagna from Getting Watery?
To prevent watery lasagna, make sure to properly drain your lasagna noodles and allow the sauce to thicken by simmering it long enough. Additionally, avoid using too much ricotta cheese, which can add moisture to the dish.
Should I Cook Lasagna Noodles Before Layering?
Yes, for this recipe, it’s recommended to cook the lasagna noodles before layering them. However, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles if you prefer a quicker method. Just be sure to add extra sauce, as the no-boil noodles absorb more liquid during baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 920mg
Conclusion
This easy lasagna recipe is the perfect blend of flavors and textures, combining rich meat sauce with creamy cheese layers, all tied together with tender noodles. Whether you are making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this homemade lasagna will leave everyone asking for seconds. Best of all, it’s simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time for convenience.
